The period drama The Mill, set in 1830s Cheshire, has been hailed a 'masterpiece' by fans. The series, available to stream for free on Channel 4, has drawn glowing praise for its 'realistic' and 'authentic' depiction of the Industrial Revolution.
About the Series
The Mill is a raw and compelling drama that aired in 2013, developed by Emily Dalton using archival records from the National Trust Property. It is rooted in real-life accounts of textile mill workers at Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire, blending historical facts with fictional characters. The show was shot on location in Cheshire for authenticity.
The series was written by John Fay and directed by James Hawes. Season one, set in the 1830s, consists of four episodes. Season two, released in 2014, features six episodes and covers the period from 1838 to 1842. Channel 4 axed the series in 2014, leaving the storyline unresolved.
Cast and Accolades
The lead roles are played by Kerrie Hayes and Matthew McNulty, with a supporting cast including Donald Sumpter, Barbara Marten, Jamie Draven, and others. Hayes received a BAFTA nomination for Best Leading Actress for her portrayal of Esther Price.
The story centers on life at Quarry Bank Mill through the eyes of Esther Price and Daniel Bate, tackling themes such as child labor laws, workers' rights, and political movements for reform.
Fan Reactions
Viewers have expressed deep admiration for the series. One IMDB user wrote: 'The Mill is a captivating historical series illustrating the draconian conditions experienced by the working classes in the Cotton Mills. It is exceptionally well written, cast, directed, filmed and delivered by a fine array of actors.'
Another reviewer stated: 'It addresses the kind of oppression women, children and the poor have faced throughout time... The acting is superb, the writing intelligent and the cinematography gorgeous. It is definitely a 10 star series.'
Fans were devastated by the cancellation, with one commenting: 'Addictive and compelling. A wonderful insight into life of a community of mill workers... So disappointed to hear there are to be no more seasons.' Another added: 'Bring The Mill back for Season 3! This is so unfair.'
Where to Watch
The Mill is currently streaming for free on Channel 4 and available via subscription on Amazon Prime Video.
